Kingdom Review: Falling Short Of Expectations

Kingdom Review: Falling Short of Expectations

Kingdom, the ambitious Korean zombie drama that captivated audiences worldwide with its gritty realism and compelling characters, has returned for its second season. While the first season delivered a thrilling, almost relentlessly paced, experience that left viewers breathlessly anticipating the next installment, the second season, unfortunately, falls significantly short of expectations. This review will delve into the reasons why, examining the pacing, character development, and overall narrative choices that ultimately hinder what could have been another phenomenal season. Understanding why this season faltered is crucial, not only for analyzing the show's trajectory but also for appreciating the elements that made the first season such a resounding success. We’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses, and discuss whether Kingdom’s ambitious scope ultimately proved to be its downfall.

The Crumbling Pace: A Slow Burn That Never Ignites

One of the most significant issues plaguing Season 2 is its drastically altered pace. Season 1 was a relentless, almost breathless sprint, propelling viewers forward with a constant stream of exciting events and escalating stakes. The relentless pursuit of the undead, coupled with the political intrigue at the heart of the narrative, created a gripping tension that kept audiences hooked. Season 2, however, opts for a significantly slower, more deliberate pace. While a slower burn can be effective in building suspense, in this instance, it feels sluggish and meandering, frequently losing its momentum and failing to recapture the gripping intensity of its predecessor.

• Dragging Subplots: Several subplots, while potentially interesting in their own right, feel unnecessarily drawn out and detract from the central narrative. The time spent on these secondary storylines feels disproportionate to their overall contribution to the main plot, leaving viewers feeling impatient and disconnected.
• Lack of Urgency: The sense of impending doom and urgency that was so palpable in Season 1 is largely absent. The stakes still exist, but the narrative fails to effectively convey the weight of those stakes, resulting in a less compelling viewing experience.
• Uneven Pacing: The pacing is uneven, with moments of intense action interspersed with lengthy stretches of slower, less engaging scenes. This inconsistency disrupts the flow of the narrative and prevents the audience from fully immersing themselves in the world of Kingdom.

Flawed Character Development: A Step Backwards

The characters in Season 1 were compelling and richly developed, each possessing unique motivations and flaws that made them believable and relatable. The central characters, Crown Prince Lee Chang and his loyal companions, underwent significant arcs that resonated with viewers. Season 2, however, fails to maintain this level of character development.

• Stagnation: Several characters seem to stagnate, showing little to no significant growth or change. Their actions and motivations feel predictable, lacking the depth and complexity that defined them in the previous season.
• Underutilized Potential: Certain characters, who possessed immense potential in Season 1, are underutilized in Season 2, their storylines feeling underdeveloped and ultimately unsatisfying.
• Inconsistent Motivations: The motivations of some characters feel inconsistent and ill-defined, leaving viewers struggling to understand their actions and choices. This lack of clarity undermines the narrative and diminishes the overall impact of the story.

Narrative Choices: Missing the Mark

Season 2 makes several questionable narrative choices that significantly detract from the overall quality of the show.

• Overreliance on Flashbacks: The excessive use of flashbacks, while intended to provide context and backstory, ultimately disrupts the flow of the narrative and detracts from the present-day storyline. These flashbacks often feel unnecessary and could have been integrated more seamlessly into the main plot.
• Unresolved Plot Threads: Several plot threads from Season 1 remain unresolved, leaving viewers feeling unsatisfied and frustrated. These unresolved issues create a sense of incompleteness that undermines the overall impact of the season.
• Lack of Focus: The narrative feels diffuse, lacking a clear and consistent focus. The multiple storylines, while potentially interesting in isolation, fail to coalesce into a cohesive and satisfying whole.

The Scientific Underpinnings (Or Lack Thereof): A Shifting Focus

Season 1 cleverly blended historical fiction with elements of zombie horror, creating a unique and compelling world. While the origins of the plague remained shrouded in mystery, the show established a believable (if fantastical) framework for its existence. Season 2, however, seems less concerned with the scientific plausibility of the zombie plague and shifts its focus more towards political intrigue. This shift in focus, while understandable, diminishes the unique blend of genres that made Season 1 so successful. The exploration of the plague's origins and its spread was a compelling element of the first season, and its relative absence in Season 2 leaves a noticeable void. While the political maneuvering remains a strong element, the absence of a comparable scientific exploration weakens the overall narrative cohesion. The lack of concrete answers regarding the plague's origins and its spread feels like a missed opportunity to enrich the already complex narrative.

FAQ

Q: Is Season 2 of Kingdom worth watching?

A: That depends on your expectations. If you're looking for a continuation of the relentless pace and gripping tension of Season 1, you might be disappointed. However, if you enjoy slower-paced political dramas with elements of horror, you might still find Season 2 enjoyable.

Q: How does Season 2 compare to Season 1?

A: Season 2 significantly alters the pacing and tone of the show. It's a slower, more deliberate narrative, lacking the urgency and relentless pace of Season 1. The character development also suffers, with several characters showing little growth.

Q: What are the biggest flaws of Season 2?

A: The biggest flaws are the significantly slower pace, inconsistent character development, and questionable narrative choices, including an overreliance on flashbacks and unresolved plot threads. The shift away from the scientific exploration of the plague also diminishes the unique blend of genres that made Season 1 so compelling.

Q: Will there be a Season 3?

A: Netflix has confirmed that Kingdom will not return for another season. While a spin-off has been rumored, there's been no official confirmation of such a project.

Q: What are the redeeming qualities of Season 2?

A: Despite its flaws, Season 2 still offers some compelling moments. The political intrigue remains captivating, and some of the characters, particularly those with expanded roles, offer moments of brilliance. The cinematography and production design maintain the high standards of the series.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity

Season 2 of Kingdom, while not entirely without merit, ultimately falls significantly short of the high bar set by its predecessor. The slower pace, inconsistent character development, and questionable narrative choices result in a less engaging and ultimately less satisfying viewing experience. While the political intrigue remains a strong element, the absence of the relentless energy and compelling scientific exploration of Season 1 leaves a noticeable void. It's a missed opportunity for a show that had the potential to deliver another thrilling chapter in its already compelling story. While the series ends with its second season, the first season remains a testament to the potential of Korean zombie horror. If you're looking for a fast-paced, gripping zombie thriller, we recommend revisiting the phenomenal first season of Kingdom. For a different kind of Korean historical drama with a supernatural twist, you may want to check out our review of [link to another relevant review].